Welsh Government and Politics (MSc Econ)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
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Why study this course
Gain an insight and understanding of the political landscape of Wales post devolution.
Due to devolution and distinctive historical and cultural factors, Welsh politics is a fascinating and fast-evolving topic of study. For those with an academic or professional interest in politics and policy, our MSc Econ Welsh Government and Politics programme provides an informed insight and understanding of the political landscape of Wales.
This unique course benefits from the close links that exist between Cardiff University and the institutions of devolved government in Wales.
This programme is designed to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the institutions and practices of governance in post-devolution Wales. In addition to focusing on politics and governance in Wales, the course locates developments in Wales in a broader UK and European context, providing also an overview of relationships between the various levels of governance.
Our programme poses challenging questions and provides an informed insight into, and understanding of, Wales’ governance and constitution; one which is based on a distinctive history, policy-making processes since devolution and a constantly developing civil society capacity.
Distinctive features
The MSc Economics in Welsh Government and Politics offers close proximity to the main institutions of Welsh governance and opportunities to take advantage of the School’s close links to the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and the United Nations Association (Wales).
You will be learning in a School ranked in the top 100 world-wide.
The seminars were interesting, challenging and fun, with a room full of politically-minded people from different backgrounds and ages, sharing ideas, solutions and theories, coupled with outstanding teaching from the country's leading political academics.
Where you'll study
School of Law and Politics
Our vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff provides the perfect environment to explore the dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics and international relations.
Admissions criteria
Suitable for graduates who normally possess a 2:1 degree classification in International Relations, Politics, English, Modern Languages, History, Religious Studies, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy and Journalism.
In addition, applicants whose first language is not English must obtain an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other components, or an equivalent English language qualification. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.
Early application is strongly advised, normally well before the end of July. Later applications will be considered, but international students must bear in mind the time needed to obtain a visa.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
You will take compulsory and optional modules offered by the School of Law and Politics (subject to any pre-requisite conditions, accommodation, timetable or other constraints that may apply in that particular year) and complete a dissertation.
The course is delivered in two stages. Stage One (the taught component) comprises 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules. Stage Two comprises the dissertation.
During Stage One, you will be taught and assessed in modules in each semester. You will progress to the dissertation upon successful completion of Stage One.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year One comprises taught modules to the value of 120 credits, delivered through 15 and 30 credit compulsory and optional modules.
Upon successful completion of the taught stage, you will progress to the 60 credit dissertation.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | PLT025 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Law of Devolution in Wales | CLT605 | 30 credits |
| Constitutionalism and Governance | CLT606 | 30 credits |
| Public International Law | PLT052 | 15 credits |
| Contemporary Welsh Politics | PLT053 | 30 credits |
| Research Methods: Approaches to Knowledge | PLT062 | 15 credits |
| Public Policy | PLT069 | 15 credits |
| Devolution and Public Policy in Wales | PLT074 | 30 credits |
| Governing and Policy-Making in Britain | PLT116 | 15 credits |
| Contemporary British Politics: Key Trends | PLT421 | 15 credits |
| From Mary Wollstonecraft to Lady Gaga: What is this Thing called Feminism? | PLT428 | 15 credits |
| Themes and Debates in Contemporary Comparative Politics | PLT432 | 15 credits |
| Government from the Inside: from the Minister's Viewpoint | PLT435 | 15 credits |
| There Is No Alternative? Britain Under Thatcher | PLT447 | 15 credits |
| Politics in and about Northern Ireland since 1998 | PLT451 | 15 credits |
| Gwleidyddiaeth Gyfoes Cymru | PLT452 | 30 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Study for a Master’s degree is intensive and challenging and it is important that you take full advantage of the teaching that is provided in order to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervisions is compulsory; we will expect you to undertake self-directed study, be well prepared by completing the required reading and participate fully in classes.
You will be taught through lectures and seminars which are designed to assist you to analyse and evaluate ideas and information from guided reading.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed mainly by essay and unseen written examination. Other forms of assessment include seminar presentations, class tests and book and article reviews.
Summative assessments count towards your degree. Your marks in these assessments count towards your formal progression from Stage One (taught modules) to Stage Two (the dissertation), and towards the determination of your final award. The dissertation comprises the Stage Two summative assessment.
How will I be supported?
We will support you in improving your study and research skills with dedicated classes at the beginning of each semester.
All modules are supported by Learning Central, a virtual learning environment that is available on and off campus through which you will access a wide range of materials for your modules.
You will receive pastoral support through our personal tutor scheme and academic staff have dedicated office hours to meet with you to discuss any learning queries. You are welcome to attend our programme of visiting speakers and guest lectures. A designated Disability and Diversity Officer ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities.
The University has a range of services to support you, including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries with specialist subject librarians and resource centres. The University also offers writing skills support for students whose first language is not English.
Feedback
Feedback is given orally during seminars and you will receive written feedback on your summative coursework. Feedback will help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your learning, as well how you might improve your performance. Written feedback will be made available no later than four weeks from the submission of your assessment.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Postgraduate students are expected to assume a greater responsibility for their education than undergraduates. Through your Master’s degree, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline specific and more generic employability skills.
During the course you will be able to extend your communication and presentation skills, both oral and written and develop collaborative skills. You will enhance your analytical skills, be able to develop a reasoned argument and reflect on your own learning by making use of constructive feedback.
You will be encouraged to work independently and develop your research skills by seeking relevant materials from a variety of sources, evaluating this evidence to develop a reasoned argument. You will reflect upon empirical and theoretical issues and critically evaluate current research.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £8,450 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals starting in 2020/21 will pay the same tuition fee as UK students for the duration of their course.
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2021/22 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £18,200 | £1,000 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Career prospects
The course offers ideal preparation for those seeking a career in and around the institutions of devolved governance in Wales.
Those completing the MSc Economics in Welsh Government and Politics can expect to find employment in both the public and private sectors.
This programme gave me the skills and understanding necessary to pursue a career in Welsh and UK politics, and provided an invaluable opportunity to make important connections, studying in the Welsh capital, in the heart of Welsh politics.
Funding
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